This self-guided walking tour explores Jacksonville, Oregon: a gold rush town that went broke and accidentally became one of the best-preserved pioneer settlements in the American West. You'll hear how a chaotic 1851 mining camp grew into Southern Oregon's wealthiest city, and how losing the railroad saved it from demolition.
The tour starts at the Old City Hall, where fires in 1873 and 1874 led Jacksonville to mandate brick construction. You'll wander California Street, once called the Wall Street of the West, past iron-shuttered storefronts and saloons pouring drinks since the 1850s.
You'll stop at the Historic Jackson County Courthouse, where a man awaiting execution filed noise complaints about his ghost roommate, and visit St. Andrew's Anglican Church, built with gambling winnings. The tour ends at the Britt Festival grounds, built on the estate of photographer Peter Britt.
Along the way, spot a Levi Strauss ghost sign and hear how Chinese miners dug a tunnel under town
onstruction after devastating fires in 1873 and 1874. Peek through the bars of a jail cell that sat directly beneath a fire bell for a century.
Take in this historic building, one of the oldest landmarks in the state, now serving award-winning coffee and fresh-baked pastries.
Take in this lively local spot, part of a legacy that once counted as many as 36 saloons in this gold rush boomtown.
Take in this storied building, one of Jacksonville's most talked-about haunted landmarks.
iled noise complaints about his ghost roommate. Take in this striking building, now a museum interpreting the city's history.
Take in this historic building, still standing as a testament to the town's gold rush wealth.
uilding that began life in 1868 as the town dentist's residence. Take in this refashioned historic house, now filled with handmade gifts from local artisans.
Take in this remarkably preserved building, retaining all of its original period fixtures.
Take in this longstanding local institution, still serving Jacksonville's main drag more than 150 years later.
350 S 1st Street, Jacksonville, United States
End your tour at the Britt Festival grounds, a stunning outdoor amphitheater built on the hillside estate of Peter Britt. Take in this fitting conclusion, honoring the pioneer photographer who planted Southern Oregon's first wine grapes and pear orchard.
This tour starts at Old City Hall. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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